After a long waiting time, Apple has finally launched its most advanced in-car technology so far, marked CarPlay Ultra and a significant step forward in the integration of smartphone-to-vehicles. The first cars that offer the next generation system are none other than Aston Martin’s latest models, whereby other car manufacturers such as Hyundai, Kia and Genesis are being expanded on the horizon. No word about BMW that takes over this technology, but in 2022 they said they had no plans to implement them.
What is CarPlay Ultra?
CarPlay Ultra builds on the existing Apple CarPlay platform, but takes you to a whole new level by integrating yourself into all screens in the car – not just the central touchscreen. This includes completely digital instrument clusters, in which drivers usually see speed, speed, fuel levels and other important information.
With CarPlay Ultra, drivers can display the navigation of Apple Maps, control media playback and manage important vehicle settings such as climate control, driver aid systems and performance modes – all from a uniform Apple interface. The drivers can interact via the screen menus, the Siri language commands or even the iPhone widgets that are projected directly onto the advertisements of the car in order to get quick access to calendar dates, weather and much more.
What distinguishes CarPlay Ultra is the deep adjustment for every car brand. For example, Aston Martin offers a unique thematic CarPlay -Ultra interface that corresponds to the luxury aesthetics of its vehicles and combines Apple’s software experience with the identity of the brand.
The start begins with Aston Martin
CarPlay Ultra is now available for Aston Martin DBX, Vantage, DB12 and Vanquish models in the USA and Canada. According to Apple, the technology will expand on Aston Martin vehicles worldwide in the next twelve months. For those who already have a compatible Aston Martin, a free software update will shortly be available via local dealers that will bring CarPlay -Ultra on the go for existing cars.
Hyundai, Kia and Genesis are next
While Aston Martin receives early exclusivity, Apple confirmed that Hyundai, Kia and Genesis actively work to implement CarPlay -Ultra in future vehicles. No official timeline has yet been announced, so many mainstream customers are wondering how long they have to wait.
Interestingly, Porsche was one of the brands that were shown in Apple’s early CarPlay -Ultra presentations, but Apple did not mention the German sports car manufacturer in its latest press release.
The position of BMW remains unclear
While BMW was not listed among the official start partners of Apple today, the upcoming Idrive X system, which was used in the BMW IX3 and new class models in the later year.
The IDRIVE X from BMW introduces the panoramic view display, a high-tech projection system that includes the base of the windshield. However, reports indicate that this display together with the head-up display from BMW may only work with native BMW content and that the functionality restricts third-party systems such as CarPlay and Android Auto.
It remains to be seen whether BMW will open these new interfaces for CarPlay Ultra. In view of the history of BMW to be an former CarPlay adopter, industry observers expect that the CarPlay Ultra brand ultimately offers, but possibly with some brand-specific restrictions.
[Photos: Apple]
